Electric switch and switch actuating mechanism



Y 1, 1934- c. D. AINSWORTH 56,847

ELECTRIC SWITCH AND SWITCH ACTUATING MECHANISM Filed May 31, 1930 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 M 1? MQJLZZJP/ May 1934- c. DPAINSWORTH ELECTRIC SWITCH AND SWITCH ACTUATING MECHANISM Filed May 31, 1930 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented May 1, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ELECTRIC SWITCH AND SWITCH ACTUAT- ING MECHANISM Massachusetts Application May 31, 1930, Serial No. 458,871

23 Claims.

This invention relates to heavy duty electric switches and to actuating mechanisms for these switches.

Modern transmission and power systems have necessitated switches of great capacity. When the usual types of switches were increased in size to meet these new high power requirements the size and weight of the actuating mechanism, and particularly the switch closing solenoids, was

greatly increased, and due to the great mass and inertia of the parts the switches were rendered sluggish in operation. As a result the opening and closing movements of the switches was found to be slow and arcing at the contact members materially increased.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a closing mechanism for a gang of electric switches which includes a plurality of small closing solenoids which act conjointly on the common switch-actuating mechanism to close the switches more rapidly than the usual large single solenoid, or a plurality of solenoids which act through independent actuating mechanism on a gang of mechanically connected switches.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an actuating mechanism for a heavy duty electric switch which permits the switch mechanism to open rapidly; and, specifically, to provide improved means whereby the switch mechanism can. move from switch closed to switch open position irrespective of the corresponding opening movement of the closing mechanism for the switch, whereby the opening speed of the switch is not impeded by relatively massive components of the switch closing mechanism.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a switch having switch mechanism adapted to trip free from its closing mechanism and which is provided with means for automatically conditioning the mechanisms for reclosing whereby the switch can. be electrically controlled from a distance.

A yet further object is to provide for the resetting of the mechanism for immediate reclosing or" the switch in response to the opening movement of the switch.

A further object of the invention is the provicf an electric switch having power actuated closing mec. ll for closing the switch through a normally set tripping toggle and manual closing n including an actuating toggle which also as .nrough said tripping toggle to close the switch, and means to hold said actuating toggle against release in the closed position of the switch, whereby to prevent tripping of the switch except by release of said tripping toggle.

A still further object is generally to improve the construction and operation of electric switches and actuating mechanisms therefor.

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a three phase switch illustrating the switch actuating mechanism of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the switch actuating mechanism, which is associated with the middle unit of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the actuating mechanism of Fig. 2 showing the mechanism in the switch closed position thereof.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the face plate which supports the switch actuating mechanism.

Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the coil box for the switch closing solenoids.

Fig. 6 is a view of the coil box of Fig. 5 taken on line 66 of Fig. 5.

Figs. 7 and 8 are front and side elevations respectively of an operating plunger for a closing solenoid.

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic view of the electric connections for the coils of the closing solenoids.

Fig. 10 is a sectional detail taken along the vertical line of the trip-free toggle of Fig. 2, and illustrating the latch for holding the control cam of the toggle.

As herein shown, the switching apparatus is adapted for the control of a three phase circuit and comprises three similar switch units. Each switch unit includes a switch frame 10 which is adapted to receive therewithin and provide a cover for the top of an oil receptacle 12 having wheels 14. on the bottom thereof to support the switch when it rests on the floor. The switch frame 10 of each unit provides a support for a pair of stationary switch members 16 having central conducting studs 18 which are extended therethrough and depend therebelow into the oil receptacle 12 and which are provided at their lower ends with the usual stationary contact members, not shown. Each of said switch members is further provided as shown in Fig. 3 with an integral mechanism compartment 20 within which is enclosed the switch mechanism for reciprocating the usual movable switch member, not shown, into and out of engagement with the fixed contact members. The switch mechanism of each unit includes the horizontal operating shaft 22 which is extended through a wall of said mechanism compartment and which is provided exteriorally thereof with a crank arm 24.

The several similar switch units are adapted to be assembled adjacent each other in horizontal alignment with their switch mechanisms operatively connected with each other. The switch units for this purpose may be supported by similar fixed channel members 26 at the front and back thereof on which the switch frames of the several switch units are adapted to rest and to which they are secured by bolts 28. The switch frames 19 of the several units are provided with vertical. front platens 31 to which operating face plates 30 are secured by means of bolts 32 and be tween which platens and the face plates 30 the vertical panels 34 are secured.

The switch mechanisms of the several units are adapted to be connected together for conjoint operation and for this purpose the face plate 30 of each unit has a section 36 of a horizontal op erating shaft which is journalled in the ends of a pair of horizontally spaced forwardly-extended arms 38 of said face plate. The several sections of operating shaft are interconnected for operation by means of interlocking coupling members i l disposed at adjacent ends thereof and which provides for the conjoint rotation of all of said sections even though they may be axially displaced. Each section of operating shaft- 36 has a crank arm 46 fixed thereto in alignment with the arm 24 of the switch mechanism associated therewith. An adjustable link 48 pivotally connects each of said crank arms 46 with the crank arm 24 of its switch mechanism whereby to effect simul taneously opening and closing movements of all the units.

The actuating mechanism for the switch is associated with one only of the switch units, as the middle unit, and includes the horizontal actuating shaft 50 which is disposed below the respective section 36 of said operating shaft and is journalled in a pair of horizontally-spaced forwardly-extended arms 52 of face plate 30. Said actuating shaft 50 has fixed thereto intermediate its ends an actuating member or arm 58. Said actuating member has a pair of rearwardly directed spaced arms and 61 both of which are keyed to the actuating shaft, an intermediate connectin. portion 62 and integral forwardly-extended spaced parallel arms, 64. The actuating shaft 50 has fixed to the ends hereof a pair of rearwardly extended crank arms 68 which are in horizontal alignment with the rearwardly extended arms 60 and 61 of said actuating member and are of equal length therewith thus to provide four similar rearwardly-directed arms on said shaft which are equally spaced apart. The face plate 38 is provided with a horizontal forwardly extended shelf '70 beneath which is secured a coil box '72 for the switch closing solenoids. Said box is secured removably in shelf by means of bolts '74: which pass through the shelf and are threaded into upstanding lugs '76 formed in the top of the coil box. Said coil box, as shown most clearly in Fig. 5, is substantially rectangular in configuration and is provided with four horizontally aligned cylindrical compa. ments '27 each of which is adapted to receive a separate coil 78 of a switch closing solenoid one of which. is shown in 6. Separate rectangular plates 80 are secured removably to the bottom of said coil box by bolts 82 and serve to provide separate closures for the compartments '77. Each cover 80 has a core plug or pole head as fixed therein which extends upwardly into the compartment and constitutes a path for the flux set up by coil 78 as well as constituting a limit stop for the downward movement of the solenoid plunger. The solenoid plungers, as shown most clearly in Figs. '7 and 8, comprise iron cylinders 86 which have screw threaded eccentrically into the upper ends thereof, a pair of spaced eye bolts 88. Said eye bolts have a relatively long threaded portion whereby the position of the plunger can be adjusted in relation thereto. The plungers of the four switch closing solenoids extend through vertical passages 90 in the cover of the coil box directly beneath the rearwardly extended crank arms of the actuating shaft and are adapted to be pivotally connected each with a separate one of said crank arms by means of pivot pins 92. It will be noted that when the pivot pins 92 are in position in the eye bolts 88, further rotation of the eye bolts to adjust the length of the solenoid plunger is impossible, the pin constituting locking means to prevent turning of the eye bolts. The coil box and the closure for the coil compartments thereof are constructed of magnetic material.

The actuating shaft 50 is operatively connected with the operating shaft 35 by means of a tripfree toggle comprising the links and 96 which when held in line effects the rotation of the operating shaft by said actuat'i shaft. Said lower toggle link 94 is substantially of H-shape and includes the lower parallel spaced 98, 100 and the upper parallel spaced arms 10.2 and 104. Said lower arms are pivotally connected by a pin 196 between the parallel portions of the forwardly extended arms 64 of said actuating member. Said upper toggle link 96 comprises the lower parallel and widely spaced arms 1G8 and 169 and a single upper arm 110 which constitutes an extension of arm 108. A pin 112 constitutes a common pivot point for the intermediate ends of said toggle links, the upper arms 102 and 194 of said lower toggle link being received between the spaced rms 108 and 109 of the upper toggle link. The lower toggle link 94 is further provi ed with a pair of laterally outstanding ears 114 which have screw threaded therethrough bolts 116 which provide stops against which the reduced lower extensions 11'? of said upper toggle link are adapted to bear to define the straightened or set position of the toggle wherein it is somewhat underset. Sal upper toggle link is pivotally connected by pin 118 with a crank arm 120 which is fixed to the operating shaft 36 and is ang'olarly related to the crank arm 45 thereof, the 35 and the crank arms 120 and 46 thereon constituting in effect an operating bell crank. The trip-free toggle is adapted normally to be held in set position whereby the operating shaft can be moved to switch closed position by said actuating shaft. To this end, a depending toggle-control arm 122 is pivotally mounted on the operating shaft 36 behind said toggle and is provided with a curved forwardly xtended lower end portion 124 having bifurcations 126 between which a roller 128 is pivoted on a pin 130. A horizontal latch 132 is pivotally supported between the rip-- standing bifurcated arms .34 of a bracket 136 which is secured to the sh lf by means of bolts 138. Said latch is adapted to engage said latch roller 128 in the forward position of said latch arm 122 whereby to hold the arm releasably in latched position. Said arm is constantly biased for rotation in a clockwise direction into position to be engaged by latch 122 by means of tension spring 140 which is extended between upstanding car 142 of said arm and a fixed stud 144 carried by the face plate 36. Said arm in the latched position thereof is adapted to engage and hold the toggle comprising links 94 and 96 in a straightened but underset pcsiti To this end, said arm is provided with a vertical arcuate cam portion 146 having a front cam face i is which is disposed in position to engage a rolle: 150 which is carried by the pivot pin 112 at the toggle joint. The trip-free toggle is constantly biased for collapse by the weight of the sw. ch mechanism acting thereon and also by the tensile spring 178 and is held from collapse by the cam face of the control arm, when said arm is latched in switch-closed position. W hen the control arm is so held the switches can be ODGDS: and closed without collapse of the toggle, the roller at the toggle joint rolling on the cam face of the arm, which holds the toggle in set condition.

Means are provided to hold said actuating mechanism and consequently by reason of the latched tripping toggle to hold said operating mechanism in the switch closed position. Said means includes a second toggle including upper and lower toggle links 152 and 154. Said lower toggle link is pivotally connected by a pin 156 to an extension 158 of the right hand rearwardly extended arm 68 of said actuating member, viewed in Fig. I. Said lower toggle link includes an eye bolt 160 which is adjustably screw ed therelnto and is pivotally connected with the end of said upper toggle link by a pin 1:32. The upper toggle link constitutes a crank having a cylindrical hub portion 164 which is carried by the operating shaft 66 and is freely rotatable thereon. Said upper toggle link also includes integral depending latch arm 166 which is offset to the ight, as viewed in Fig. 2. Said latch arm 166 has a forwardly curved bifurcated end portion similar to that of latch arm 122 and a latch roller 168 pivoted between the bifurcations thereof by a pin 169. A second horiatntal latch 1'70 which is identical with latch 132 is pivotally supported on a pin 172 on the upstanding bifurcations 1'74 of the bracket 176 which cast integral with the horizontal shelf 70. In the closed position of the mechanism, as shown in Fig 3, the latch 176 is adapted to engage and hold latch arm 166 with the locking toggles 152, 15 in an underset position. Said locking toggle biased by the switch mechanism acting through said operating and actuating mechanisms for movement into a collapsed position. A spring 173 having its lower end connected with a pin 92 said actuating mechanism and having its upper end connected with an eye bolt 186 fixed to a g 181 of the face plate also urges said lo toggle constantly into a collapsed position f. which it is releasably held by latch 176.

The switch mechanism and operating mechanism including the operating bell crank comprising arms 120 and 46 are arranged to trip or open free from corresponding movement of the actuating mechanism. To this end, an electrically operated tripping solenoid 182 is secured by bolts 184 to the coil box '72 with its plunger 186 disposed beneath and in position to engage and trip the latch 132 of the tripping toggle. It will be evident that upon the release of the latch 132 by the tripping solenoid restraint offered by the toggle-control arm 122 and the cam 146 carried thereby will be removed and the weight of the switch mechanism will operate to rotate said crank arm 120 in a. counterclockwise direction whereby to collapse the tripping toggle and displace the latch arm 122 to the right, as viewed in Fig. 3, against the action of the spring 14-0. During the aforesaid movement of the operating mechanism, the actasting shaft 56 and the actuating member 58 carried thereby are held in a switch closed position by the latch 170. It will thus be seen that the switch can open without restraint from the actuating mechanism with its massive closing solenoid plungers.

Means are provided, however, in the final movement of the switch in the switch opening direction to effect the release of said actuating mechanism. and automatically to reset trip-- free toggle for subsequent closing movement of the switch. To this end, the crank arm 16 is connected by means of an offset link 1 8 with the latch 176 of said locking toggle. Said link 188 is pivoted at its lower end to said latch by a pin 190 and at its upper end provided with an elongated slot 192 which is adapted to receive a stud 164 that is screw threaded into said crank arm 46 intermediate its length. the closed position of the switch, the stud 194 is adapted to occupy the lower end of the slot thus to permit the crank arm 16 to rotate in a clockwise direction toward switch opening position without eiiecting the movement of the links, during which movement the stud 194 moves along the slot. The length of the slot is so arranged that in the final switch opening movement of crank arm 16, the stud iiil ere-- of adapted to engage the top end 196 or" said slot whereby to rotate latch in a clockwise direction sufficiently to release the actuating mechanism which, under the action of spring 178, will move in a counterclockwise direction to collapse the locking toggle. During this court terclockwise resetting movement of the actuating mechanism the solenoid plungers 86 drawn upwardly out of the closing coils 78 the tripping toggle 9 1, 96 is straightened the clockwise rotation of the latch arm 122 due t i the action of spring 140, whereby permit the latch 132 to engage the latch roller 168 and connect the actuating and operating shafts through said toggle for subsequent closing movement of the switch. In the reset position of the mechanism prior to closing the switch the locking toggle 152, 15 i is collapsed and the latch arm 66 thereof is out of engagement with its latch 176. The switch is now in condition for closing movement and upon energization of the solenoid winding 78 the actuating mechanism will be rotated in a clockwise direction to stai hten the locking toggle and move the latch arm 166 thereof into position to engage the latch 170. It will be noted that, while the switch can be tripped manually by raising the latch it is impossible to effect opening of the switch by tripping the latch 1'26 thus to open the switch by a collapse of the locking toggle instead of the tripping toggle, since the stud 194 is disposed in the bottom of the slot of link 188 and holds the latch 1'76 against release.

Means also provided for clo ing the switch manually. 1 i purpose. 154 constitt an operating manual closing inea operating shaft in position to engage the spiral teeth 26? which cut on the periphery of hub lo l of crank arm 152, which arm comprises the upper toggle links of the locking toggle. Ihe extreme forward end of said shaft 196 has diametrically opposed flattened portions 208 which are adapted to receive the hub of a suitable lever, not shown, for the manual rotation of the shaft. A fixed collar 210 provides limit stop for the hub of said lever, gear and a collar 214 fixed to said shaft on opposite sides of the bearing 198 receive the thrust due to the spiral teeth or" said pinion gear and prevent axial movement of the shaft. It will be evident that rotation of the manually operable shaft 196 in a counter clocks. direction, as viewed in 2, will effect a clockwise rotation of arm 152, as viewed in Fig. 3, which will straighten the toggle links 152, and eilect the locking of the toggle by latch 170. The movement of the parts in a switch closing direction is limited by the engagement of the solenoid plungers with the top of core plugs 84.

The four solenoid coils '78 are connected toparallel relation between leads 216 and an auxiliary power source, as the battery and are controlled by a remote control The coil box construction is described and is claimed in my copending application, filed May 1930, Serial No. 458,873, now Patent No. dated April 5, 1932, and need not be further described herein.

Certain features of the echanism herein described but modified to provide for the closing and opening or the switch without the trip-free eature are described and claimed in my copending application Serial No. 453,872, filed May 31, 1939.

I claim:

1. An electric switch having switch mechanism, operating mechanism therefor, actuating mechanism for operating mechanism, a normallyset tripping toggle connecting said actuating mechanism and switch operating mechanism for conjoint operation, electrically operated closing mechanism. connected with said actuating mechanism for closing the switch through said normally set tripping toggle, a locking toggle having one end thereof pivotally connected with said actuating mechanism and having its other end pivo l y connected to a fixed support, means to hold said locking toggle releasably in an underposition, electrically operated means to trip said tripping toggle, and means to trip said looking toggle only in the final switch opening movement or" said switch operating mechanism.

2. An electric switch having switch mechanism, operating mechanism therefor, ctuating mecha nism including a pivoted actuating member, a tripping toggle connecting said actuating member and operating mechanism, a latch for holdg toggle releasably in a set porically-operated switch closing mechm connected with said actuating member,

s to hold actuating member releasably in switch closed position including a locking toggle connected with said actuating member, a latch for holding said locking toggle releasably in an underset posi n, electrically-operated means to trip said tripping toggle whereby to open the switch independently of movement of said actu ating member, and means connecting said operating mechanism and the latch for said locking toggle arranged to release said locking toggle in the final switch opening movement of said operating mechanism.

3. An electric switch having switch mechanism,

operating mechanism therefor, actuating mecha nism including a pivoted actuating member, a tripping toggle connecting said actuating member and operating mechanism, a latch for holding said tripping toggle releasably in a set position, electrically operated switch closing mechanism connected with said actuating member, means to hold said actuating member releasably in switch closed position including a locking toggle connected with said actuatin member, a latch for holding said locking toggle releasably in an underset position, electrically operated means to trip said tripping toggle whereby to open the switch independently of movement of said actuating member, means connecting said operating mechanism and the latch for said locking toggle arranged to release said locking toggle in the final switch opening movement of said operating mechanism, and means for biasing said actuating member into a switch open position arranged automatically to reset said tripping toggle and condition said actuating mechanism for switch closing movement following the opening of the switch.

4. An electric switch having switch n echanism, operating mechanism therefor, actuating mechanism for said operating mechanism including a pivoted actuating member, a normally set tripping toggle connecting said actuating member and operating mechanism, means biasing said toggle into a collapsed position, means to hold said tripping toggle releasahly in set position whereby to connect said actuating member and operating mechanism for switch closing movement, electrically-operated closing means connected with said actuating member for actuating said member to close the switch through said toggle, means to trip said toggle holding means whereby to permit the opening movement of said operating mechanism independent of said actuating member, a locking toggle having one end thereof pivotally connected with said actuating member, means including a latch for holding said toggle releasably in an underset position, means constantly biasing said locking toggle into a collapsed position, a locking-toggle tripping link connecting said latch with said operating mechanism, said link having a lost-motion connection with said operating mechanism whereby to permit the movement of said operating mechanism in a switch opening direction prior to the movement of said latch to release said actuating mechanism for switch opening movement.

5. An electric switch having switch mechanism,

operating mechanism therefor normally biased for switch opening movement, actuating mechanism for said operating mechanism including a pivoted actuating member, a tripping toggle connecting said actuating member and operating mechanism, means constantly biasing said tripping toggle into an underset position, a latch for holding said toggle releasably in said underset position whereby to connect said actuating member and operating mechanism for switch closing movement, power-actuated closing means connected with said actuating member for closing the switch through said tripping toggle, a locking toggle pivotally connected with said actuating member, a latch for holding said locking toggle releasably in an underset position, means biasing said actuating member and locking toggle toward a switch open position, means operative when the switch is closed to prevent the tripping of said switch by the release of said second latch, electrically operated means for tripping said first latch whereby to effect the opening movement of said operating mechanism independently of said actuating mechanism, and means responsive to the final opening movement of said operating mechanism to trip said second latch and permit said actuating member and said locking toggle to move into a switch open position.

6. An electric switch having switch mechanism, operating mechanism therefor including an operating shaft, actuating mechanism for said operating mechanism including a pivoted actuating member, a tripping toggle connecting said actuating member and operating mechanism, means for holding said tripping toggle releasably in an underset position, whereby operatively to connect said actuating member and operating mechanism, a locking toggle having one end pivotally connected with said actuating member and having its other end freely supported on said operating shaft, means to hold said locking toggle releasably in an underset position whereby to hold the switch closed, and means to close the switch comprising means to move both said actuating member and said locking toggle to switch closed position.

'7. An electric switch having the combination of switch mechanism, operating mechanism therefor including an operating shaft, opening and closin means for said operating mechanism including a pivoted actuating member, a switch closing solenoid operatively connected with said actuating member, means including a tripping toggle connected with said operating mechanism and said actuating member, means for holding said toggle set and for causing it to break, means to lock said actuating member in switch closed position including a locking toggle comprising a pair of toggle links one of which has a pivotal support and the other of which is pivoted to said actuating member, a latch for holding said looking toggle releasably in set position, and means for tripping said latch.

8. Electric switch operating mechanism including the combination of a switch operating member, an actuating member therefor, a collapsible toggle connecting said members, means for holding said toggle in set position between switch open and closed positions, and means for holding said toggle-holding means releasably in toggle-controlling position, said toggle-holding means upoi release being arranged for movement away from toggle holding position whereby to permit the toggle to collapse and the switch to open, and said toggle-holding means being arranged for movement in the opposite direction to reset automatically said toggle when said actuating and operating members are in switch open position.

9; Electric switch operating mechanism including the combination of a switch operating member, an actuating member therefor, a breakable connection between said members, a member con trolling said breakable connection, means releas ably holding said control member in position to prevent the breaking of said connection during movements of the mechanism between switch open and switch closed positions, said control member when released being free for movement in a direction to permit the breaking of such breakable connection whereby to effect the opening of the switch, and means which urges said control member in the opposite direction against said breakable connection and resets it when said actuating and operating members are in switch open position.

10. Electric switch operating mechanism including the combination of a switch operating member, an actuating member therefor, a breakable connection between said members, a movable cam member for holding said breakable connection against breaking and over which said breakable connection rides in switch closing movements thereof, and means for releasably holding said cam member in connection controlling position, said cam member when released being free for movement away from connection controlling position whereby to permit the breaking of said connection and the opening of the switch and being also mov ie in, the opposite direction into engagemen with said breakable connection to reset it when said actuating and operating members are in switch open position.

11. Electric switch operating mechanism including the combination of a switch operating member, an actuating member therefor, a breakable connection between said members, a pivotally supported cam member having means releasably holding it in position to prevent the breaking of said breakable connection, said cam member having a cam face over which said breakable connection rides during switch closing movement thereof, said breakable connection having means for biasing it for breaking movement which is adapted to move said connection and said cam member into a broken-connection position whereby to permit said operating member to move to switch open position independently of said actuating member, means for subsequently effecting the movement of said actuating member into switch open position, and means which urges said cam member against said breakable connection and resets it.

12. Electric switch operating mechanism including the combination of a switch operating member, an actuating member therefor, a breakable connection between said members, means for holding said actuating member releasably in switch closed position, and means for holding said breakable connection against breaking which also resets said breakable connection after it is broken.

13. Electric switch operating mechanism including the combination of a switch operating member, a switch actuating member, a collapsible toggle connecting said members, a pivoted cam member for holding said toggle against collapse which also engages and resets said toggle after it has collapsed, said cam member having a cam face over which the set toggle rides during switch closing movement thereof, and means for releasably holding said cam member in toggle holding position.

14. Electric switch operating mechanism including the combination of a switch operating shaft having an operating arm, an actuating arm for said shaft, a breakable connection between said arms, a cam member loosely pivoted on said operating shaft for holding said toggle in set position against collapse and also for resetting said toggle after collapse, said cam member having a cam face over which the set toggle rides during switch closing movement thereof, and a latch for releasably holding said cam member in toggle controlling position.

15. Electric switch operating mechanism including the combination of a switch operating member, an actuating member therefor, a breakable connection between said members comprising a toggle, a cam member for holding said toggle in set position and also for resetting said toggle after it has collapsed, said cam member having a cam face over which the set toggle rides during switch closing movement thereof, means for releasably holding said cam member in toggle controlling position, means for holding said actuating member releasably in switch closed position, and means responsive to the switch opening movement of said operating member for releasing said actuating member.

16. Electric switch operating mechanism including the combination of a switch operating member, an actuating member therefor, a breakable connection between said members, a cam member for holding said connection against breaking and also for restoring said connection after it has broken, said cam member having a cam face over which said connection rides during breaking movement thereof, means for holding said cam member releasably in connection controlling position, a toggle connected with said actuating member, means for conjointly moving said toggle and said actuating member to switch closed position, and means for releasably holding said actuating member in switch closed position.

17. Electric switch operating mechanism including the combination of a switch operating member, an actuating member therefor, a breakable connection between said members, a cam member for holding said connection against breaking and also for restoring said connection after it has broken, said cam member having a cam face over which said connection rides during breaking movement thereof, means for holding said cam member releasably in connection controlling position, a toggle connected with said actuating member, means for moving said toggle and actuating member to switch closed position, means including said toggle for releasably holding said actuating member in switch closed position, and means responsive to the opening move ment of said switch operating member for releasing said last-named holding means.

18. Electric switch operating mechanism in cluding the combination of a switch operating shaft, an actuating member therefor, means operatively connecting said actuating member and shaft, a toggle having one element thereof connected with said actuating member and having another element thereof loosely supported rotatably on said operating shaft and arranged to be in set condition when said actuating member is in an actuated position, and means for operating said toggle.

19. Electric switch operating mechanism including a switch operating shaft having a laterally extended arm, a switch actuating arm, means operatively connecting said arms, a toggle located on the side of said shaft opposite said arms having one eement that has an operative connection with said actuating arm and another element that is rotatably supported loosely on said shaft, and means for straightening said toggle during switch closing movement of said actuating arm.

20. Electric switch operating mechanism including a switch operating shaft having 9. laterally extended arm, a switch actuating arm, means operatively connecting said arms, a toggle located on the side of said shaft opposite said arms having one element that has an operative connection with said actuating arm and another rotatably supported element, means acting on said actuating arm for effecting the closing of the switch, and means including said toggle for releasably holding said actuating arm in switch closed position.

21. Electric switch operating mechanism including the combination of a horizontal operating shaft having a forwardly extended operated arm, an actuating shaft journalled beneath and in parallel relation with said operating shaft and having a forwardly extended arm, a breakable connection connecting said arms, a cam member loosely supported on said operating shaft for hol said connection against breaking and also for 'estc-ring said connection after it has broken, said cam member having a forwardly extended cam face which is coated between said shafts in the rear of said breakable connection and over which said breakable connection rides during switch closing movement thereof, said cam member also having a depending projection located in the rear of said shaft, a latch located beneath said shaft for releasably engaging said projection and holding said cam member in connection controlling position, switch closin means for rotating said actuating shaft, toggle mechanism connected with said actuating shaft and located in the rear thereof having a toggle element rotatably supported loosely on said operating shaft, said element having a depending projection which is disposed in th rear of said actuating shaft, and a second latch for releasably engaging said projection and holding said toggle in switch closed position.

22. Electric switch operating mechanism including the combination of a switch operating nember, an actuating member, a breakable connection between said members, means for holding said breakable connection against breaking, a latch for holding said holding means in the aforesaid operative position, a toggle for holding said actuating member in switch closing position, and a second latch for holding said toggle against collapse.

23. Electric switch operating mechanism including the combination of a switch operating member, an actuating member, a breakable connection between said members, means for holding said breakable connection against breaking, a latch for holding said holding means in the aforesaid operative position, a toggle for holding said actuating member in switch closed position, a second latch for holding said toggle againstcollapse, and means responsive to the breaking of said breakable connection for effecting the subsequent tripping of said toggle.

CHESTER D. AINSWORTH. 

